…as INEC Chairman charges them for professionalism, ethical stewardships
From David Onuoja, Abuja
Six new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has taken oath of office at the INEC headquarters, Maitama, Abuja.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, charged the new Commissioners to embrace the rules of professionalism and ethical stewardships.
According to him, “With the swearing-in of six RECs today, all vacancies have been filled in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. It is therefore appropriate to start by congratulating the new RECs that have just taken the oath of office; but should know that the conduct of elections is not only a huge responsibility but also a sacred duty.
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“All six of you have cumulative experience in election administration or the management of public affairs, therefore, you are all expected to justify the confidence reposed in you to serve in the high office of REC.
“Let me make it clear from the outset that you must at all times be guided by the electoral legal framework, the code of conduct for RECs as well as the regulations and guidelines governing the Commission’s operations.
“Above all, you must always act in good conscience. Do not betray your oath of office. In the best tradition of the Commission, you must engage with stakeholders through regular consultative meetings and must not be impervious to genuine criticisms.
“Your appointment is full-time and not part-time responsibility. You must provide leadership and exercise effective supervision. You can only succeed in this responsibility when you are knowledgeable about the Commission’s activities, particularly the innovations introduced in election management”, he said.
He also, warned them saying, “It is also important to understand and operate within the limits of your delegated powers and responsibilities. Our State offices are part and parcel of the Commission. You must never act independently or think that you can act in violation of the law, regulations and guidelines or defy the Commission without consequences.
“We will hold you accountable for your actions and inactions. We will not hesitate to deal with acts of defiance, indiscretion or transgression on the part of any Resident Electoral Commissioner”, INEC boss added.
The newly RECs are: Mukhtar Gajiram-Taraba, Umar Garba-Sokoto, Dr Sa’ad Umar-Gombe, Chukwuemaka Ibezi-Abia, Mrs Saseyi Ibiyemi-Ogun and Dr Johnson Sinikiem-Cross Rivers States respectively.
